Not many characters make movies that are as engaging as dysfunctional families. Broken families often make for memorable movies. Whether it’s suspects of murders, ordinary people or men with mental disorders, the genre has created many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite dysfunctional family films that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Ordinary People
It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit crushing lows when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became victim of murder. Her devastating death left my family mourning. No matter how hard we tried, my family could not move on from the heartbreaking loss of a housekeeper that tragically died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how painful deaths of people affect families as powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Ever since its release in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about dysfunctional families. With the greatest film of his career, Redford used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a family facing despair. Redford is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for making family dramas, and “Ordinary People” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the final scene in which Calvin has a moment of silence with his son Conrad grieving loss of a loved one causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who proved how commemorated of an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” my favourite dysfunctional family film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which are outdated, it has aged beautifully. It delivers a commemorated message about grief which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of ordinary people impacted by passings of family members that are insurmountable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about the lives of dysfunctional families that audiences consider to be tremendously special.
2. Boyhood
Childhood is a crucial time in life that shaped my identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of growing up in youth that shaped my persona. I remember that I was an aimless child daydreaming that was unconcerned about the future. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my emotions of growing up in childhood as powerfully as “Boyhood”. Released in 2014, Richard Linklater’s masterpiece captured a child growing up over the course of 12 years. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Boyhood” stand out is its innovative cinematic techniques. Linklater’s decision to shoot the film over the course of 12 years using the same actors is risky but paid off. Linklater effectively uses the technique to create a portrait of a dysfunctional family over 12 years. For instance, the scene in which Mason bids emotional farewell to his mother as he leaves for college causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Ellar Coltrane, who captures a child growing up. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of a boy growing up over 12 years of childhood, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that made movies which are treasured in modern-day Hollywood.
3. Kramer vs. Kramer
Divorce is a painful process that often puts fathers under stress. Several years ago, I witnessed my aunt experience a divorce causing sorrow. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage causing damage. A drastic decision, the divorce left my cousins heartbroken. They drifted apart from a beloved father that had once held a special place in their heart. As someone that has seen divorce causing fathers to face disaster, I adored “Kramer V. Kramer”. Released in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie captured impact of divorce on a father. Benton uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the bond between a divorced father and his son. For instance, the scene in which Ted rushes his son to the hospital after he faces an accident causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who portrays a heartbroken father facing divorce tension. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer V. Kramer” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A fantastic portrait of fathers that experience a broken marriage, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made movies with a meaningful long-lasting message.
4. Knives Out
Social class has impacted my family. Years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they found that their housekeeper was a thief. I remember he was a generous housekeeper regarding my grandparents in a kind manner. However, my grandparents were shocked to discover he had stolen jewelry. As someone haunted by memories of a housekeeper taking knives out, I adored “Knives Out”. Released in 2019, Rian Johnson’s murder mystery captured a dysfunctional family. Johnson effectively uses humour to capture a dysfunctional family impacted by murder. For instance, the scene in which the members of the Thrombey family have a tense meeting causing a dilemma following the death of their patriarch is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Craig, who embodies a dedicated detective investigating a dysfunctional family. Ultimately, what makes “Knives Out” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about social class which would resonate with everyone. A magnificent mystery about housekeepers with knives out, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies which definitely deserve to be talked absolutely about.
5. Manchester by the Sea
Grief is an emotion that has impacted my friend deeply. Several years ago, my friend’s mother passed away from Cancer causing sorrow. Left devastated, my friend couldn’t cope with a terrifying tragedy that left him affected. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move on from the death of his mother that left him terrified. As someone that witnessed a friend face grief following family tragedy, I adored “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured a grieving janitor affected by a family tragedy. Lonergan has always had an aptitude for making compelling family dramas, and “Manchester by the Sea” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Lonergan uses captivating flashbacks to capture a grieving janitor. For instance, the scene in which Lee Chandler reunites with his wife several years after a tragic accident causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Casey Affleck, who embodies a grieving man impacted by family tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about depression which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of grief that causes fragile families to fall apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced meaningful tremendous art.
6. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about siblings seeking an escape, it’s worth discussing What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Since its publication in 1991, Peter Hedges’ book has become a literary classic. In 1993, Lasse Hallstrom honoured the iconic book about siblings seeking an escape in his movie “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” stand out is its depiction of disability. Hallstrom uses captivating montages capturing tensions faced by a man seeking to care for an intellectually disabled brother. Assisted by Johnny Depp who is extraordinary in the lead role, Hedges honoured a book about disabled brothers. As strong as Gilbert’s desire to find an escape, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies at which audiences consistently gape.
7. Hereditary
Dysfunctional families are often seen in horror movies. The horror genre has often told compelling stories of families facing trauma. The power of horror movies that capture family tragedy is clearly evident in the movie “Hereditary”. Released in 2018, Ari Aster’s horror movie captured a family impacted by tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Hereditary” stand out is its depiction of family trauma. Aster effectively uses foreshadowing to capture a family reacting to a terrifying tragedy. Assisted by Toni Collette who is extraordinary in the lead role, Aster created a compelling horror movie about dysfunctional families. A powerful portrait of families experiencing fear, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre producing memorable movies about dysfunctional families about which audiences undeniably care.
8. The Farewell
Families follow unique traditions in China. In Chinese culture, families confront death in a different way than in the West. When relatives are about to die, the family must keep it a secret from them. The way in which Chinese families deal with relatives that are unwell is beautifully depicted in “The Farewell”. Released in 2019, Lulu Wang’s movie offered a powerful portrait of a Chinese family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Farewell” stand out is its strong depiction of families in China. Wang uses captivating montages to capture hardships families in China are facing. Assisted by Awkwafina who is amazing in the lead role, Wang honours families in China. A fantastic portrait of hardships Chinese families face, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which audiences commonly embrace.
9. The Descendants
Alexander Payne is a fantastic filmmaker that has often made movies about families facing pain. Payne has built an image of being a director that thrives at capturing families facing emotional damage. Payne’s strength for making movies about families facing resentments is clearly evident in his film “The Descendants”. Released in 2011, Payne’s movie captured a family impacted by a boating tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Descendants” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Payne effectively uses tragicomedy to capture a family impacted by tragedy. Assisted by George Clooney who is amazing in the lead role, Payne created a powerful portrait of families facing pain. As strong as Matt’s bond with his daughter, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences tremendously treasure.
10. American Beauty
Few movies ever made about a dysfunctional family are as beloved as “American Beauty”. Since its release in 1999, Sam Mendes’ movie has become a classic. Mendes’ film forever changed the genre through its depiction of suburban families facing trauma. Mendes effectively used voice-over narration to capture a dysfunctional American family facing tension. Although I’ve always loved the movie, it has aged poorly. Recent sexual allegations against Kevin Spacey have forever tarnished the film’s legacy. Nevertheless, it remains a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Lester Burnham’s desire to find beauty, it’s a beautiful reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies about dysfunctional families enduring tragedy that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 